When a team’s head coach is on the hot seat in December, the owner already has started thinking about the next hire.

University of Oregon coach Chip Kelly is a hot name these days in NFL circles. Bruce Arians, doing a superb job as the Colts’ interim head coach, is building an impressive resume that puts his name prominently on the head coaching radar.

"Organizations are already exploring which coaches are out there, and which coaches might fit their situation," said a former NFL general manager. "That’s the balancing act that is very difficult to manage. You walk the tightrope as a GM, and as an owner. You’re trying to show loyalty and support for the current coach, knowing that they probably have one foot out the door, and you’re one of the people that’s going to push them out."

At least one-fourth of the league’s 32 head coaches could be on the way out. That’s a high number even in this volatile profession.

Here are the teams that could be making a change, and names they might pursue.

BEARS

Arians. The job he’s doing with the Colts (9-4) speaks for itself. Having worked with Ben Roethlisberger and Andrew Luck, Arians could help Jay Cutler.

Dave Toub, Bears special teams coach. He’s highly respected around the league and already knows the Bears’ personnel.

BILLS

Perry Fewell, Giants defensive coordinator. He was once Bills interim coach, and their defense needs improvement.

Mike McCoy, Broncos offensive coordinator. Has gotten kudos for his versatility, changing the offense for Tim Tebow and now Peyton Manning. "McCoy’s a classy guy, sharp, and he’s been a solid coach in Denver and Carolina," said a current NFL general manager.

BROWNS

Nick Saban, Alabama coach. I can’t see this rumor coming true, but if he really wants this job, it’s his.

David Shaw, Stanford coach. At age 40 with experience as an NFL assistant, he’s the perfect age to make the jump. He also runs a pro-style offense. "The thinking has changed some regarding college coaches," said a former NFL general manager. "If you’re a young, growing team, you need a coach with patience, who can teach, and who can connect with Generation Y," said a long-time NFL scout.

CARDINALS

Ray Horton, Cardinals defense coordinator. That side of the football is solid and he’ll be a head coach someday. So why let him get away?

CHARGERS

Kelly. He would have to make adjustments for his offense to work in the NFL. But having a quarterback like Philip Rivers would help make the offense go.

Reid. Once he gets the axe in Philly, his work with quarterbacks is highly regarded and he could get a fresh start out West. "The Chargers need somebody who can get Rivers’ attention and maximize the backside of his career," said another former NFL general manager.

CHIEFS

Vic Fangio, 49ers defensive coordinator. This is a tough guess, with a new G.M likely coming as well. But Fangio’s work is well-respected and the Chiefs have young defensive talent.

Mike Zimmer, Bengals defensive coordinator. No reason why his fine work on the defensive side in Cincinnati could not translate to the Chiefs.

COWBOYS

Mike Holmgren, former Packers and Seahawks coach. Garrett likely isn't going anywhere unless the Cowboys collapse during the final three weeks. If that happens, Jerry Jones might be forced to make a move for a big name.

Sean Payton, Saints suspended coach. A rumor that was hot a month ago, but I see Payton returning to Saints.

EAGLES

Fewell. He knows the NFC East and the Eagles’ defense is a mess.

Kelly. His name keeps coming up when you talk to people in the league about this spot. Their young weapons on offense would likely intrigue him.

JAGUARS

Arians. Another tough call, because it probably depends on whether Gene Smith stays as general manager. But Arians is QB-friendly and knows the AFC South.

Rob Chudzinski, Panthers offensive coordinator. Chudzinski also has a good rep for working with young quarterbacks.

PANTHERS

Fewell. He almost got this job before they hired Rivera.

Kyle Shanahan, Redskins offensive coordinator. Maybe he’s not ready to be a head coach yet. But his work with Robert Griffin III raises possibilities for what Cam Newton could do in a similar offense.

RAIDERS

Dom Capers, Packers defensive coordinator. I think it would be a mistake to fire Allen after one season. But if it happen, Capers has been a head coach before, and has ties to general manager Reggie McKenzie.

McCoy. The Raiders hired Allen away from the Broncos. Why not pluck another potential head coach off the staff of their AFC West rival?

TITANS

Jay Gruden, Bengals offensive coordinator. You will probably hear plenty of Jon Gruden coaching rumors, but his brother could be the family member who becomes a head coach next.

Koetter. He might be viewed as the right coach to develop Jake Locker.